Meet Me on Bernard could change this year. Here's what's happening

Portions of the popular Meet Me on Bernard (MMOB) program will start earlier this year.

However, mixed reviews from business owners along some parts of the street have people reconsidering the program’s scope.

The talks came after city council signed off on a request to shutter the 200 Block of Bernard Avenue – from Lawrence Ave. to Water Street – starting May long weekend, rather than July 1.

Businesses in the 300 to 500 Block – from Water to St. Paul Street – will only be allowed to extend their patios into parking stalls from May long weekend until full opening in July.

The program started in 2020 as a way for business to stay afloat during the pandemic, due to capacity and safety restrictions. In the years since, MMOB has become extremely popular among most businesses, locals, and tourists, according to the report.

However, some business owners have cited reduced parking as limiting customers, and a lack of shade on the northside of Bernard shortening visits.

A proposed compromise is to shut the 200 and 300 blocks all summer, while only allowing parking stall patios on the 400 and 500 Block.

“I think it would be good to have that debate among the merchants once and for all,” Coun. Luke Stack said. “We do get such mixed reaction … as to whether full closure of the 400 and 500 block is really beneficial to our downtown plan as well as the merchants.”

The suggestion is set to be brought up this week at a Downtown Kelowna Association board meeting. The results should come back to council before the end of the month.

Last year, city council asked staff to weigh the pros and cons of an earlier opening, and settled on the piecemeal approach for several reasons, including staffing, business support, and limited impact on traffic, transit, and parking.

Despite the earlier opening, the MMOB committee – which includes city staff, members of the DKA and Tourism Kelowna – still suggest the program ends September long weekend. This is to “allow for the proper assessment and to fully understand the impacts of an earlier implementation before exploring any further extensions.”